Tuesday, May 4, 2010

U.S. Navy receives first Electronic Modular Enclosure for DDG 1000

TEWKSBURY, Mass., -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) delivered the first Electronic Modular Enclosure (EME) for the Zumwalt-class destroyer (DDG 1000) to the U.S. Navy.

This delivery provides leap-ahead technology and cost-effective innovation to modernize the approach to shipbuilding and mission equipment integration. EMEs are large subsystem assemblies that efficiently package the shock mitigation, electromagnetic interference protection, thermal conditioning, security and vibration isolation for commercial off-the-shelf electronics integrated inside. This innovation to 21st century shipbuilding is much more efficient and effective than existing ship construction methods and was designed into the Zumwalt program for affordability.

"The delivery of this critical piece of mission systems equipment is a significant milestone, demonstrating the results achieved through our strong collaborative partnership that spans across the Navy as well as the entire Zumwalt industry team," said Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems' (IDS) Bill Marcley, vice president of Total Ship Mission Systems and Zumwalt program manager. "The EME delivers capability and efficiencies in ship production that translate to cost savings for the Navy – now and throughout the life of the ship."

The EME unit, which houses ruggedized and commercial electronic equipment for the ship's external communications, was shipped from Raytheon's facility in Largo, Fla., to Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Miss. The EME will be integrated into DDG 1000's advanced composite deckhouse.

There are 16 EMEs on each Zumwalt destroyer, and each unit contains more than 235 individual electronics cabinets. In addition to allowing the ship's equipment to withstand the most rigorous battle conditions, EMEs also lower the ship integration costs by streamlining shipboard combat system installation, integration and testing. A fully populated EME weighs up to 18 tons and measures close to 35-feet long, 8-feet high and 12-feet wide.